Poten & Partners named to assess Masela block technology

By Godang Sitompul

The government has appointed Poten & Partners Inc as independent consultant to make assessment on what technology to be used in developing the Abadi gas field in Masela block, Maluku.

?Yes, we have appointed Poten & Partners. SKK Migas (upstream oil and gas regulator) is processing the work contract before the parties sign on it, hopefully tomorrow (Tuesday),? said Director for Upstream Management at the Directorate General of Oil and Gas Djoko Siswanto to Petromindo.com Monday.

The government has decided to get the help of an independent international consultant following disagreement among officials on whether to use floating LNG facility or onshore facility in developing the Masela block.

Inpex Corp, the operator of Masela block, has proposed for the use of 7.5 million tons per annum capacity floating LNG facility to develop the Abadi field in its plan of development (POD), which has also been approved by SKK Migas.

But when the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said was about to approve the POD, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Rizal Ramli, who also oversees the energy ministry, suggested that onshore LNG facility would be the best technology option for the Masela block development.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said has stated that the consultant is expected to complete its assessment in two months so that a decision could be made end of this year or early next year.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak